Ryanairflygerne støtter hverandre - ATW

Ryanair’s German pilots back strike action

Ryanair’sGerman pilots, represented by theVereinigung Cockpit (VC) union, have voted to strike if the Irish LCC has not submitted a “negotiable offer” by Aug. 6. According to VC, 96% of German-based pilots voted in favor of the strike over pay and conditions. Strikes are announced at least 24 hours in advance.

VC chairman of collective bargaining policy Ingolf Schumacher said, “We have given Ryanair a final deadline of Aug. 6, 2018, to submit a negotiable offer. Unfortunately, this has not happened so far and discussions last Friday [ended] without the hoped-for progress.”

VC board of public relations and spokesperson Janis Schmitt toldATWthere are "around 400 Ryanair pilots based in Germany, and 80% to 90% of them are directly employed [with Ryanair].”

“We hope that Ryanair will follow this call. There are still some days left,” Schmitt said.

“Even if the signal of the ballot is not taken seriously, strikes—as in other European countries—are inevitable,” VC said in a statement.

Since negotiations began between Ryanair and VC in January on collective bargaining agreements, there has been no substantial progress.

VC will hold a press conference on how to proceed Aug. 8.

Ryanair operates from 19 German airports, of which10 of them are bases.